Gracia grateful for injury-free squad

Head coach, Javi Gracia has revealed his side are completely injury free going into the weekend’s game against Manchester City.

He revealed: “Today’s a good day for me because I can say all my players are available for the next game.”

“It’s good news for us because it speaks well about all the people who are working around the team. The medical staff, all the workers in different departments that are helping us to stay in the best condition to finish the competitions.”

The return of Kiko Femenía is welcomed by Gracia, who he said was playing really well before his injury.

With no players injured, Gracia said he had joked with his medical team about them now having no work to do.

He said: “I was speaking with them about what are they going to be doing now. But I prefer this situation, I have the difficult decision to choose only 18 players and put eight out of the list, but I think it’s better for us.”

Going into the weekend’s game against the champions, Gracia is expecting a difficult game but expects his side to get chances and convert them.

He added: “We have got good results playing away and now we are playing against City, we know it’s very difficult. They have played 15 games and have won 14 (at home), but we will have some chances to try to take advantage and we are going to do it.”

Gracia has made frequent changes to his side this year, but has kept his cards close to his chest about potentially starting last week’s wonder pair, Deeney and Gray.

He said: “I don’t like to speak about what we are going to do, but it is a very good option for us. They started playing together at the beginning of the season, getting very good results. But a couple of weeks ago the best option was Troy and Gerrard when we scored five goals. It’s not easy and I have to make that decision, but it is important to feel that all of the players are hungry.”